the pentagon will be extending benefits for same sex partners of service members. however they have to be careful not toughie late the defense of marriage act which for bids the federal government of recognizing any. this is a step in the right direction. thank you, secretary. net at a. boy scouts, your move. the catholic church was rocked today when pope benedict xvi announced that he would be abdicating the papacy at the end of the month. it's incredibly uncommon but not unpressprecedented having last occurred nearly 600 years ago when pope greerry xii stepped down in 1415. a making his announcement at the vatican this morning to a small gathering of cardinals the 85-year-old pope benedict cited his age and health as his main reason. after having repeatedly saying quote, after having repeatedly examined my conscience before god, i have come to the certainty that my strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the petrine ministry ministry. here is sister campbell, returning guest of the show. good evening sister glad to have yo